Oyster-clamp



(No Model) 0. DRAKE.

oooo ER CLAMP. I No. 299,756. Patented June 3, 1884.

clamp, showing the manner of using it.

U ITED STATES CUNINGHAM DRAKE, on PHI OYSTER LADELPHIA, rnNNsYLvANIA.

-CLAMP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 299,756, dated June 3, 1884.

lowing is a full, clear, and eXact description of the invention, which will enable others skilled in the art to which it appertains to make and use the same, reference being had to the accom panying drawings, which form a part of this specification, and in which Figure 1 is a perspective view of my oyster- 2 is a longitudinal sectional View of the same. Fig. 3 is a cross-section 'on line w 00 in Fig. 2, and Fig. 4. is a perspective View showing the clamp open ready for the insertion of a bivalve.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the figures.

In shucking oysters considerable difficulty is often experienced by the shucker in holding the oyster firmly and preventing it from slipping or from cutting the hands by the sharp flakes of its shells while itis being shucked; and my invention has for its object to form an inexpensive and convenient clamp for-holding the oyster 'firmly during the operation of shucking.

This clamp consists of two parts, A and B,

which may be made conveniently of any suit able wood or metal. One of the parts, A, constitutes the bottom part, which is longer than the top B, the two parts being connected at Fig.

Application filed May .2, 1884. (No model.)

] their rear ends by any suitable hinge, C. The

bottom Ahas a recess, D, rounded at its inner end, and gradually increasing in depth from the open front side, so as to form an inclined bottom, E. Thetop Bhas a similarhorseshoeshaped recess, F, with beveled or inclined sides, as shown at G. The recesses D and F are of such a shape that they will in a measure conform to the shape of that part of the oyster which is inserted into the clamp.

By reference to the drawings, the manner of using this device will readily be understood without further explanation. As the oyster is held between the hinged parts or jaws A and B, the projecting end may readily be cut with a knife or hammer and a pointed implement inserted for prying the shells apart. The clamp also prevents the hand of the shucker from being cut by the knife or opening-tool.

Having thus described my invention, I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States The oyster clamp or holder consisting of the recessed bottom part, A, and short recessed top part, B, hinged together at C, the bottom part projecting beyond the top, as shown, substantially as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereunto affixed my signature in presence of two witnesses.

I OUNINGHAM DRAKE. Witnesses: I

LoUIs BAGGER, AUGUST PETEnsoN. 

